The "Mothers and Preborns Act" aims to enhance support for parents during pregnancy and infancy by establishing the Healthy Mother and Healthy Newborn Ombudsman Office within the South Carolina Department of Health and Human Services. This office will be responsible for maintaining records of state programs, referring parents to appropriate services, acting as a liaison, resolving complaints, and producing informational materials about available assistance. The ombudsman will also be required to provide a brochure detailing these services to obstetricians, who must distribute it to their pregnant patients, ensuring that the information is accessible at county health offices and on relevant websites.

Additionally, the bill amends Section 44-41-340 to include the brochure or written materials from the new ombudsman office as part of the information provided to pregnant women prior to an abortion. This section outlines the types of materials that must be published by the South Carolina Department of Public Health and Environmental Control, including information on available assistance, abortion procedures, and prenatal care benefits. The act will take effect upon the Governor's approval.

Statutes affected:
12/10/2025: 44-37-80, 44-41-340
Latest Version: 44-37-80, 44-41-340